Lakeside Children’s Centre

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

A showcase event celebrating the early impact of the North Locality Infant Mortality project was held last Thursday (21 May).

Just seven months into its ambitious 18-month journey, the project is already proving to be a lifeline for expectant mothers across Erdington.

Supporting Mums

Funded by the Fairer Future’s Fund and overseen by Witton Lodge Community Association, the initiative is being delivered by Spurgeons. It provides holistic support for the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of mothers during the most transformative chapter of their lives.

To celebrate its early success, Spurgeons hosted a vibrant showcase event and community baby shower at its base at Lakeside Children’s Centre. Local partners including Birmingham and Solihull NHS Trust Integrated Care Board (ICB) alongside midwives, breastfeeding support groups and pregnancy specialists were in attendance.

Formal presentations were given by Jonathan Wiggin, Head of Services at Spurgeons, Phil Johns, Chief Strategy Officer at ICB and Waheed Saleem, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at Witton Lodge Community Association.

Infant Mortality Rates

“Infant mortality was identified as a key priority for the North Locality through the co-production process that Witton Lodge Community Association led last year,” said Waheed.

“Working with partners and local communities, we developed a targeted project to support high-risk pregnant women in the three Erdington wards with the highest infant mortality rates.

Waheed Saleem talking at Spurgeons showcase event and community baby shower at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by WLCA

“The project provides one-to-one support through pregnancy support workers, helping women to reduce key risks during pregnancy. This includes encouraging early attendance at appointments, supporting women to stop smoking, helping with weight management, and providing practical financial support for essential everyday items that can make a real difference for new mothers and their babies.

“We are pleased to be working with Spurgeons to deliver this important project. As the Family Hub in Erdington, Spurgeons is well placed to continue supporting mothers and families beyond pregnancy, offering a wide range of services for children, young people and families up to the age of 19.

“The project has been supported by MMP GP Partnerships, midwives, health visitors and community groups. This joined-up approach is vital if we are to tackle infant mortality, reduce inequalities and ensure families receive the right support at the right time.”

Impressive Early Impact

The project is achieving a good level of success with its impact and reach already returning impressive numbers, such as:

45 individuals received Health & Wellbeing Support (including breastfeeding & morning sickness advice)
57 community sessions delivered including baby & antenatal groups and baby showers
72 individuals received Benefits & Welfare Support including advice around baby banks, food bank referrals and supplying baby essentials
25 individuals supported by the Safer Sleep Scheme
61 women now feeling more confident with their parenting skills
37 travel vouchers issued to support attendance to antenatal appointments
60 women received postnatal support to help reduce feelings of isolation and boost confidence
78 women have reduced stress and anxiety following support from Pregnancy Support Workers

Natalie Haymes, Community Liaison Lead and Pregnancy Support Manager for Spurgeons in Erdington, said: “By fostering a network of care that addresses everything from emotional resilience to physical health, we are not just supporting individuals we are building a fairer, healthier future for the next generation of our community.”

To find out more about the great work being delivered by Spurgeons in the local community please visit their website HERE.

For details on support activities being delivered at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub, click HERE.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

UDB Cooking Club at Lakeside Children’s Centre / Photograph supplied by UDB

Words by Ash Porter, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)

In the heart of the Wyrley Birch Estate there is a wonderful children’s hub called Lakeside Children’s Centre and on Tuesday afternoon you’ll find the place overflowing with UDB’s team running sessions.

From 3:30pm-4:30pm there’s a brilliant children and families session. Here our team create a safe space for families and primary school children to play, eat our famous toasties, and create lasting friendships.

Our young people in secondary school have their own space from 5:00pm-6:00pm where they too are welcomed and have a space for themselves. These sessions are both free, and open access. We’d love to see you there.

We also run two developmental groups, Cooking Club and SPARK, aimed at young people we work closely with.

At Cooking Club they’ve learnt how bake plenty of sweet goods, but more recently have stepped into learning to prepare full meals. Last Christmas they were involved in cooking a Christmas dinner for over 50 people from the community.

SPARK is a music-based activity, where some of our young people are exploring their musical skills and even learning to write their own songs. One girl, when she first joined SPARK, was shy and could barely even sing out loud to the group. A few months later, she signed up to sing at her school summer showcase.

As young people learn tangible skills and are encouraged in their endeavours. We see them grow as people and in their self-esteem. On Tuesdays at Lakeside, we see transformation, one life at a time.

For more about UDB scan the QR code or visit www.urbandevotion.org

Follow UDB’s social media on Instagram or Facebook (@urbandevotion).

Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

Tag: Lakeside Children’s Centre

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Helping mum and baby thrive – infant mortality project succeeding

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Supporting children and families with exciting activities at Lakeside Children’s Centre